This is how people are hacking your Facebook profile
There has been a recent surge in fake profiles and profile hacking on social media, including many South African celebrities, such as Karlien van Jaarsveld, Angelique Gerber, and Jacaranda FM’s own Martin Bester.
It’s not a new thing, but recently, the amount of hacked social media profiles has exploded, and no one is safe. From celebrities to the average person, even South Africa’s own president has fallen victim to hackers.
Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis about the recent surge in Facebook profile hacking and how to prevent it.
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This is how hacking happens most often:
- "People are reckless with their phones," says Bolhuis. He told Martin Bester that people often click on links they receive on social media or messages.
Bolhuis warned people not to be "nuuskierig" and click on anything.
You must ensure that when you receive a link or a message, it is properly labelled with a credible business or person.
Especially with fake celebrity accounts, criminals are using these accounts to sell fake items, steal information, and hack other people.
- "If it sounds too good to be true, it is."
Bolhuis told people to be wary of empty problems and offerings. If someone randomly offers you money or free items, it’s most likely a trap. Hacking often happens when people click on links or send their information to people on social media.
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This sometimes even includes links sent from people you might know whose profiles have already been hacked.
How to prevent hacking and falling victim to fake profiles:
Bolhuis mentioned the "positive paranoia" mindset. It’s not good to be scared of everything, but being aware of possible hackers at all times is, unfortunately, part of our daily lives.
If anything comes through on your phone, first investigate. Do research, send emails, and phone people if you are unsure.
The specialist investigator also informed Breakfast with Martin Bester that he blames the platforms.
According to Bolhuis, some platforms have the ability to reveal the hackers, but once they do that, they might lose a lot of money.
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Unfortunately, people might feel helpless when they have been hacked, as it seems there isn’t much we can do.
Bolhuis clarified that he still encourages people to report fake and hacked profiles and complain to social media platforms as often as possible.
You should also report cases to the police as "there is strength in numbers".
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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Image Credit: Facebook/ Screenshot